Symptoms and treatment options for HCV
What are symptoms of hepatitis C?
Almost 80% of people infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) show no symptoms. The symptoms of HCV can include one or several of the following:
- Yellowish skin (jaundice)
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Dark-colored urine
It is important then, to know the high risk factors for HCV and be tested, even if you do not show symptoms. Testing is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for the following groups:
- Recipients of clotting factors made before 1987
- Hemodialysis patiens
- Blood transfusion, solid organ transplant before July 1992
- Undiagnosed liver problems
- Injecting drug users (of any type, at any time, of any frequency—if it had a needle, one needs to get tested)
Treatments for hepatitis C
People who have a mild case of hepatitis C may only need to manage it by visiting their doctor regularly and following their doctor's recommendations, such as eating a nutritious diet, avoiding alcohol (because of its impact on the liver), and getting regular exercise. For people with more severe hepatitis C, however, drug therapy may be needed. A drug called interferon is the mainstay of conventional treatment. Interferon is often combined with an antiviral (virus-fighting) drug called ribavirin. Such combination therapies are usually taken for six months to one year.
Combination therapy, using pegylated interferon and ribavirin, is currently the
treatment of choice. Combination therapy can get rid of the virus in up to 5 out of 10 persons for
genotype 1 (the most common in the U.S.) and in up to 8 out of 10 persons for genotypes 2 and 3.
HCV positive persons should be evaluated by their doctor for liver disease.
Many persons will experience flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint
aches, fast heart rate) early in treatment, but these lessen with continued treatment. Later side
effects may include tiredness, hair loss, low blood count, trouble with thinking, moodiness, and
depression. It is important to discuss any and all side effects experienced with your physician.
Drinking alcohol can make your liver disease worse.
In addition to the side effects from interferon described above, ribavirin can cause serious
anemia (low red blood cell count) and can be a serious problem for persons with conditions that
cause anemia. Patients and their healthcare providers should carefully review the product
manufacturer information prior to treatment.
